Sacred waters of Japanese shrine said to turn dirty money into good fortune

Akemi Takanezawa, right, and Sayaka Ikeda, center, washing 10,000 yen and 1,000 yen bills with water for purification at Zeniarai-Benten shrine in Kamakura, Japan, on Jan. 6, 2012. It is believed that money washed in sacred water at the shrine will increase one's fortune at the start of the New Year.

Kimimasa Mayama / EPA

Rio Kawana, 4, washes coins in water for purification at Zeniarai-Benten shrine on Jan. 6, 2012.